In this step-by-step video Stanton Hector, “The Small Stream Guy” from issue 41, ties the Mountain Midge. This pattern was inspired by the Single Feather Midge developed by Tom Sutcliffe. Initially, the pattern was conceived to imitate the black midges so common on Western Cape trout streams of South Africa. However, Stanton realized very quickly that the pattern imitates the black mayfly (Choroterpes nigrescens or Darkening Dun) extremely well. Nonetheless, the name of the fly stuck!
Stanton says, “These mayflies usually make their appearance on Western Cape streams in large numbers during late season where trout can be seen leaping clear of the water to intercept these descending morsels. The Mountain Midge is ideally suited for targeting these selectively feeding jumping rainbows feasting on these hovering insects. The fly’s CDC feather construction enables a slow parachute-like descent mimicking the hang time exhibited by the hovering naturals. This characteristic is key to the fly’s success. Over the years the Mountain Midge has been though several iterations, however I settled on a post made of flash, which serves as a refractive sight making the fly easier as well as making it less invasive to trout.”
These are the materials used to tie the Mountain Midge:
Hook: #16 Hanak dry fly hooks, model H130BL
Thread: 17/0 denier, black.
Tail: Coq de Leon
Body: Peacock hurl
Flash post: Flash
Parachute: Black Cul de Cunard
For more on Stanton check out his “What’s In My Bag” feature in issue 41.
